How do you address your patients?

[anonymurse]

Just looking for the method you use most after introductions.

[love-d-OR]

I usually say Mr/Mrs, but sometimes I ask them what they would like go by. Must of them tend to like me calling them y first name.

[jmgrn65, RN]

I have always said mr. or mrs.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Since the vast majority of my residents are elderly, I have always said 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.'

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

My pts are all kids, so I voted "by first name," although I will call them things like "buddy"

[TexasPediRN]

Usually they get called peanut, sweetie, bugaboo, etc...

Those are just the ones that are under a year old!!

Otherwise, first name basis, as my pts are all kids..

[elizadream]

Initially, I address my pts. as "Mr. or Mrs" but after that, especially if they are elderly, I will address them as "Miss Betty", or "Mr. Sam". This is a Southern way of expressing respect to them as being older and is an acceptable form of greeting in the South.

Eliza

[suanna]

Usually they get called peanut, sweetie, bugaboo, etc...

Those are just the ones that are under a year old!!

Otherwise, first name basis, as my pts are all kids..

I've heard many of the same nick names used when addressing our adult patients- And we wonder why our patient sat. scores are so low!

[luckylucyrn]

I do kids, so I usually give them a nickname

[TexasPediRN]

I've heard many of the same nick names used when addressing our adult patients- And we wonder why our patient sat. scores are so low!

Oh no!

Its one thing for babies..but I dont think I could call an adult peanut or bugaboo!

It would be Mrs. Susie/ Mr. John like an above poster said - its a southern thing.. (learned that when I moved here 3 years ago!!!)

On a side note, most parents love the nicknames you give the babies..I had one that I called peanut cause she was so little..the next day mom shared with me 'its so funny that you call her that - thats exactly what we called her older sister too'.

[climbingkp]

I use the first name when calling the patient from the waiting room, then sometimes is sweetie, buddy, or another nickname. Working in peds the options are endless :)

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

My patients are babies, so they all get called by their first name when they are good, and all three (or more) names when they are naughty.

Parents are called by first name....